[Freni]: This is a monumental performance, and my personal highlight . . . she brings such nobility to the character, such poignancy and dignity to the scene where she bids farewell to her lady-in-waiting, for instance, and such stamina in the big Act V aria, that the DVD is worth purchasing for Freni alone. Many of the same comments could be made about the Don Carlo, Plácido Domingo. Ravishing tone and an heroic performance . . . The final duet is magical, however, and compared to most of his rivals on DVD, Domingo's assumption of the role is remarkable . . . Nicolai Ghiaurov brings ideal tone and a commanding presence to the role . . . The Met chorus is in great form . . . Probably the best version now available . . . It's a must for the Verdi collector . . .

Record Review /
Dominic McHugh,
Music OMH / 01. November 2005

. . . this production by John Dexter is worth looking at . . . This is class all the way, scenically and musically . . . Under Levine¿s taut direction, this performance surges with magnificent singing and dramatic interaction.